Talking Strategy: D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo

On a short four days’ rest, D.C. United begins its busy August schedule at the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, Aug. 3, at BBVA Compass Stadium. The standard South Texas heat should be in full effect, and the opportunity is ripe for United to capture its first victory in Dynamo territory.

“The quick turnaround, going to Houston, will be tough,” D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen said, “but we’re going to be tested at some point with our depth. We’re going to rely on guys in the next month or two that haven’t seen a lot of minutes so that’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to getting those guys in, to test them in real games and that might start with Houston.”

The Black-and-Red are in a good position right now. Sitting just one point behind Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference, there is no sign of content with second place and no shortage of confidence.

“I think we just continue the way we’re playing, continue our style, don’t try to change anything drastically,” said D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid. “The way we play is unique, and it works in this league. So, if we continue the way we play and break them down, we’ll be fine.”

Two of United’s four straight wins have come away from home, where the players have been consistently produced all season. (comment: “road” so many times, also in the quote ahead, so tried to reduce it)

“I think we just have to maintain our road mentality,” assistant coach Chad Ashton said. “We’ve been able to grind on the road. It’s not always pretty, but we do what we need to do to get a result.”

Houston (5-11-4, 19 points) is currently 9th in the East, and desperate teams are dangerous. Hamid, in the midst of a breakout season, remains cool and composed. For him, road games are about preparation and attitude.

“It’s a quick turn around to Houston,” said Hamid. “[We will] just do our homework on them. See how they’ve been playing, and go into the game with the right mentality.”

D.C. United faces the Houston Dynamo at 8 p.m. ET. Tune in on Comcast SportsNet.